Highly Durable Knife for $125?

Someone just had one for sale in the exchange for 120 bucks.

By the way Mafiachap, if you are reading this I was wrong. Sorry about that.
 
Originally posted by Schtik
Any opinions on the OSS?

BTW, the chosen knife will be given and used by over 12 people in very demanding conditions; 3 days between resupplies and no place to replace broken knives.
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If it isn't AUS8A, forget it. 420 subzero treated doesn't hold up. If you are going to a place that has no place to replace broken knives, a "Ka-bar" would be decent, I'd definately go with a Becker, and use the rest of the cash and get a decent folder - Spyderco and Benchmade. That should be good enough.
If you insist to go stainless, I'd have no idea. I think that just wiping the carbon steel knife down so that it's completely dry should be enough to keep it from rusting. Buy a packet or two of Flitz and you should be able to remove any rust if it still happens. Even if you get stainless steel, they'll still stain in humid weather and/or sweat.
 
Thanks for the warning on stainless steel.
That easily eliminates the OSS. :)

The CS Recon Tanto seems like the clear winner.
With the Becker BK7 in second.


"use the rest of the cash and get a decent folder - Spyderco and Benchmade"

I've never understood the need for a folder. - I never used the knife on either my Swiss Army or my multitool.
 
The CS Recon Tanto seems like the clear winner.
With the Becker BK7 in second.
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Good for chopping, cutting, prying, sawing, jabbing and hammering.
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Both are quality knives but just a couple of things to consider based on your requirements are:

Different handles. Some people like Cold Steels rubber handles, others dont. I prefer the Becker handle and find it to be very secure and durable, but I did see one review where the guy claimed it was a little slippery.

You want one for chopping. Both knives are a bit on the small side for large chopping chores, although with the Becker I find that sliding my hand all the way back and letting my pinky hang off gives a bit more leverage....just be careful that you maintain a solid grip, and preferably use a lanyard so it doesnt go sailing off out of your hand.

As for your hammering requrement, consider that the Becker has an extention on the butt for that, and Cold Steel is all rubber and not suitable for hammering.

Also the different blade shapes....Becker is easier to sharpen as far as shape gos. Tanto points are a bit different, but not that big of a deal with a small amount of practice.

Whichever one you choose of those 2 will be high quality and should make you happy as long as your realize the limitations of each. Good luck.
 
I'm sorry. I was thinking Cold Steel Recon Scout for comparison with the Swamp Rat. The Recon Tanto isn't much of a chopper, and isn't in the same league with the Recon Scout or Swamp Rat Camp Tramp.
 
Hm... So from personal experiences, what is the Recon Tanto good for?

If I can't come to a decision, then the choice will have to be a Camillus K-Bar syle knife. I hear it's that it's no good for chopping, prying or hammering... But it'll have to do.
 
Originally posted by Schtik
I've never understood the need for a folder. - I never used the knife on either my Swiss Army or my multitool.
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They're small, they're handy, they're light, you don't need to lug the big one for a job easily done by the small one. You could just keep it in the pocket.
SAK and Multitools are in a different league, they provide more tools than just a blade. I personally find a multitool handy as part of an EDC. *shrugs*
I've been to camping before, and some of my friends decided to trust their lives in a walmart tent and sleeping bags. Needless to say, it ends up that I needed the multitool to get the stupid zippers to work again.
 
If you want a rugged stainless combat style blade I suggest you take a look at the Gryphon M35 offered by the Cutlery Shoppe (see http://www.cutleryshoppe.com/) The M35 is a copy of the Randall #14 with AUS8 3/16th blade. Handle is hard rubber similar to that on Fallkniven blades. I've got one and it's handled all the chores I've thown at it - it's a hard use affordable knife.
 
Originally posted by Darkjedi2
Here is the link to the swamprat knives

www.swampratknives.com

The Camp Tramp is only $128.95, according to their site.

They also have a really good guarantee.

Darkjedi - May the Force be with you.
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I just double checked my Camp Tramp and I swear it's still not stainless steel. ;)
 
Okie... This is just crazy.
I've been researching for 3 days, and I still have no conclusion.

The Swamp Rats and Busse knives are over budget. The Becker knives seem great, but I have a gut feeling that says they won't suffice.


I'll just get the Camillus Kbar knives. :grumpy:
 
I personally would go with the BK-7 over the Ka-Bar. It feels like it can take more abuse and have greater versatility. However, I do have a Black KaBar (the one with the rubber handles instead of leather) and it has held up very well to a great deal of abuse. I second looking at the SOG Seal 2000 and Timberline Lightfoot Zambezi. The SOG is very well built and has undergone much testing. The only problem I have with it is that the handle doesn't have much of a guard and heavey thrusting could result in the hand sliding up to the blade. The Timberline has a very good handle with a guard that allows for different grips depending upon the situation. Good luck and let us know what you decide. -Lev
 
I've been eyeballing the SOG line since the beginning. But I overlooked them because I haven't read a lot of recommendations for them on these forums.

The Tigershark and the SEAL 2000 look great. :eek:
I LOVE the Desert Dagger but the blade length is only 6.25". :(


Any comments on SOG 7+" knives?
 
the Sog series of knives are very high quality AUS-6 knives, we typically dont like AUS-6 here, but it is "ok" but it is actually very good, if you want to get your knife wet.

My suspicion is that the steel in the swamp rats is going to be very similar to the Camillus Carbon steel found in the becker line.

the K-bar type knife would be very low on my list, far after the Cu-7 and the cold steel knives.

Definitly check out the Cold Steel SRK, keep in mind that there are two types of cold steel fixed blades (well actually 3) there are the "Carbon V" blades that are made by camilus with the becker steel, and there are the Stainless knives made in Japan, we typically recomend the Carbon V knives.

What are you guys specifically going to need your knives for?
 
I think you should just pop for one of the Beckers.., and probably the 9" if you are really going to use it hard.

It will cover your list of "needs" with no problem.., and won't be a moral bust to replace if you trash it. It's a darn good knife for the $$$$......good luck....


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
The SOG knives are insanely expensive. But I don't think that I have much choice.

Are the SOG SEAL 2000 or the SOG Tigershark as reliable as Busse knives?
 
Originally posted by LizardKing

What are you guys specifically going to need your knives for?
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The event that these knives will be used for is like a mini Eco-Challenge race. Less harsh weather, but fewer places to take refuge.

Not everyone will be issued machetes or axes, so these knives might be needed to do light chopping.
 
Originally posted by Schtik
The SOG knives are insanely expensive. But I don't think that I have much choice.

Are the SOG SEAL 2000 or the SOG Tigershark as reliable as Busse knives?
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I betting that would be a unanimous no...Busse seems to be as top of the line as you can get, but you pay top dollar too.
 
Originally posted by Schtik
Not everyone will be issued machetes or axes, so these knives might be needed to do light chopping.
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Then I don't think you could beat the Swamp Rat knives, save going Busse, but Busse won't be $125...
 
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